E-Net Africa 2002, Enterasys Networks` second annual users and channel partner conference held recently at Misty Hills focused on how IT companies can better prepare to compete in what remains a tough global market.
Entitled "War in IT"; the conference showcased some of Enterasys` global findings regarding business preparedness as well as elucidating the company` s road forward and how it is positioned to tackle the tough network and security market.
Martin May, regional director for sub-Saharan Africa, and host of E-Net Africa, said the company had manoeuvred itself into a tactical position in order to take on other network players in the new year.
"Companies which have lost sight of their strategic strengths and diversified have come undone by their lack of focus. Entrerasys has made sure its core competencies remain the focus of its business," said May.
Just as in war scenarios, companies also have to make sure they align with strong partners that have similar strategic intentions.
"Partnering with the likes of Siemens, Microsoft and SAP globally, and companies such as Bytes Technology Networks locally has made competing in a difficult market easier for Enterasys.
"Some of the biggest challenges facing CIOs at the moment remain security, extending the equipment lifecycle and return on investment. It`s no accident that international research companies such as Gartner and IDC recognise that Enterasys is the only viable alternative to Cisco."
With this in mind, Enterasys has continued to develop its arsenal of products to include greater built-in security, including intrusion detection, firewalls as well as load balancing features.
Enterasys` LAN care for Life program has also ensured CFOs appreciate the benefits of choosing Enterasys products.
The conference highlighted Enterasys` commitment to further R&D and the company`s latest development in the areas of WAN and UPN (User Personal Networks) highlight Enterasys as a standards-setter in the wireless networking arena.
Consensus from international management at the conference was that UPN is currently the company`s key differentiator and issues such as "bandwidth brokering" are set to give Enterasys the jump on its competitors.
Enterasys management also made clear the fact that business in the African region was serving as a benchmark for the rest of the company`s operations, both in terms of marketing as well as deals closed.
Summing up the Enterasys battle plan for the year ahead, Paul Taylor, channel director for the EMEA region said: "Like countries, most companies only attack if there is at least a three to one advantage. We [Enterasys] don`t have that. We are preparing to outflank the opposition; we have to be faster and smarter. Markets can expect a more wily and committed Enterasys in next year`s IT battle."
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